Author: Tommy Acosta

Tommy Acosta is the publisher, editor, and lead opinion writer of Sedona.biz, the hyperlocal cyber magazine known as "The Voice of Sedona and the Verde Valley." He writes on local issues, politics, national affairs, culture, and personal reflection, often with a provocative or satirical tone.In addition to his work as a writer, Acosta is a working musician and reflexologist. He has written extensively about the challenges Sedona's musicians face, noting their low pay despite the town's vibrant music scene.Acosta describes himself as a "political actualist," rejecting strict party affiliations and instead focusing on how people are manipulated by political processes. His coverage spans local Sedona issues, tourism, short-term rentals, cultural events, community building, as well as national commentary and critiques of political figures, sometimes through imaginative pieces like "What Would Tommy Do?"Acosta is deeply engaged in Sedona's cultural and spiritual community, advocating for local musicians, artisans, and businesses, and writing about Sedona's unique identity as a spiritual and artistic hub.

Sedona News – Kick off the holidays with “Paolo’s Holiday Jamboree” – a solo concert with Sedona-renowned Paolo Scardina, acclaimed singer, songwriter, composer, and pianist, sharing fun-filled songs of the holiday season live at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. There will be one performance only on Dec 11, at 4:00 pm, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. Prepare to laugh, cry, smile and sigh as you are entertained by Paolo.  He takes you on a fun-filled, sentimental, musical journey singing the best of the best holiday songs.  Paolo’s vocal/piano arrangements are packed with passion and originality. What to bring…

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Arizona News – The Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Anna Maria Chávez as its next President and CEO. Chávez will join ACF in February 2023 following a national executive search process conducted by Carlson Beck and the ACF CEO Search Committee.   Anna Maria Chávez is an executive leader, attorney, inspirational speaker, writer, and community advocate. She has dedicated her career to advocating for others, especially underserved communities. In her most recent role, she served as the inaugural Chief Impact Officer for Encantos, an EdTech and Public Benefit Corporation where she was…

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Sedona AZ News: The word light invokes beautiful connotations and often represents hope, recovery, renewal, and a path out of darkness. It’s no surprise that both Christianity and the Jewish faith have holidays engulfed in lights. Honoring both, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village ushers in its 49th Annual Festival of Lights with another majestic event on December 10, 2022 from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm. In the Jewish faith, The Festival of Lights is part of Hanukkah and represents the recovery of Jerusalem and a re-dedication of the Second Temple. History tells us of a miracle that occurred when the…

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… a once in a lifetime chance to be shooting the fasted living creature on earth at eye level in the wild … that was the closing treat on the excursion down to Lake Pleasant last Friday and I did manage to get some absolutely beautiful shots of her before my gear malfunctioned. We decided to take one more run up Castle Hot Springs bay before packing it in for the day. We had already captured hundreds of wonderful shots of Ospreys and other birds. Eric spotted a bird with its back to us about 50 feet away in shallow…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present Sedona’s New Improv Troupe — Unauthorized Happiness — on Tuesday night, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Happiness is not to be trifled with, according to Sedona’s new improv comedy troupe, Unauthorized Happiness. This seven-person team of friends are on a mission to bake up some joy and laughter in your life this holiday season. Sprinkle in a dinner reservation beforehand for a perfect date night, girl’s night or family night out in Sedona! Unauthorized Happiness intends to create a sacred bubble for…

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Verde Valley News – Music in the Stacks returns on Thursday, December 8th at 5:00 pm in Camp Verde Community Library’s Fireside Room. Music in the Stacks is a showcase of local and national musicians who entertain regularly in Northern Arizona. There are 3-5 different performers during the show, with a rotating variety each month. December’s concert features Gioia. Ed Cooper, and a surprise guest.  Blue-eyed soulstress, Gioia, of the duo, Sugar Moon, is a dynamic vocalist, playing in the pocket rhythms on guitar and ukulele to a fun mix of well-loved covers.  Ed Cooper performs great solo acoustic rock…

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The Sedona Women’s (“TSW”) December 14, 2022 program at the Creative Life Center will feature inventor and scientist Jeff Pierce, who pioneered digital film mastering and digital visual effects tools. His work has delivered groundbreaking visual effects in over 60 motion pictures, including the Oscar-winning visual effects for “Independence Day” in 1996. He was also on the team who won an Oscar for Best Documentary in Short Subjects in 2005. His TV credits include “Northern Exposure”, “Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and more. Pierce’s experience extends to developing 3D technologies and producing the first 3DTV episode…

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Sedona AZ News: Like a beauty queen walking down the red carpet, restaurateur Sheena Curl gracefully steps into Sedona’s restaurant scene at the helm of two of Sedona’s finest restaurants, the Javelina Cantina and The Hudson. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Sheena got her “culinary chops” by watching her father, who was the Northwest regional manager for Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar restaurant chain. “I grew up inside the Applebee’s restaurant industry in Washington State,” remarked Sheena with a smile. “That sparked my passion and the confidence that motivates me today.” Sheena didn’t start out following her father’s footsteps right away.…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival presents Back To Our Roots, live at the Mary D. Fisher Theater on December 9 at 7 p.m. This interactive event features drummer and percussionist Sabina Sandoval and flute player Sananda and will be both participatory and educational. The rhythm of the drum is the heartbeat. The melody of the flute is the breath of life. This event will take participants on a journey using the drum, one of the most powerful instruments in the world, accompanied by the flute in a musical, cultural, and educational experience. Drums from different indigenous cultures will be expressed…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “A Christmas Karen” showing Dec. 9-15 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. God help us, every one. In the spirit of “A Christmas Carol”, the new holiday comedy “A Christmas Karen” centers on an entitled, egocentric middle-aged woman named Karen (Michele Simms), whose demanding and inconsiderate nature has alienated her from her neighbors and family alike. After a series of instances displaying her privilege, prejudice and bad attitude on Christmas Eve, Karen receives an “intervention” by three unconventional spirits who take her on a…

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Arizona News – CH’ÍHOOTSOOÍ, DINÉTAH, WINDOW ROCK, NAVAJO NATION – On Wednesday, November 16, the White House Summit on COVID-19 Equity & What Works Showcase featured organizations that provided direct relief during the pandemic and the methods they used to achieve equity. White House COVID Coordinator Ashish K. Jha said that equity had to be an organizing principle in combating COVID. “The work of equity begins with understanding the people we serve. This work happens in the trenches. Equity starts and ends on the front lines,” Jha said. “So many of you led this work.” The intent was to highlight methods…

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Sedona News – The Sedona Heritage Museum is hosting their annual “Christmas in the Park” free open house on Saturday, December 10 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The event extends free admission to the museum and a day filled with special free activities as a holiday gift to residents and visitors. Everyone will be treated to hot apple cider, holiday cookies and free entertainment and activities. A fire will burn in the red rock fireplace of the old Jordan house and the Museum will be decorated in vintage holiday decor. A tumbleweed ‘snowman’ will greet all guests. The day will continue…

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Sedona News – Sedona Lago is excited to launch “Pathways to Independence,” a new program for young adults with neurodiversity looking for support in pursuing their dreams. Residents in the Verde Valley can participate in the program, which offers customized curriculums in four targeted domains: Independent Living, Social Awareness and Achievement, Vocational Skills and Management, and Personal Health and Wellness.  “The Pathways to Independence Program offers unprecedented opportunities for self-directed neurodivergent young adults to polish their skills, pursue their dreams, and become more independent,” said Gary Wagner, President of Sedona Lago Gardens.  Pathways to Independence utilizes both an evidence-based curriculum,…

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Sedona News – On Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 3 p.m., Chamber Music Sedona will present “From Classics to Klezmer,” a concert headlined by long-time Sedona friend and audience favorite, clarinetist Alex Fiterstein. Joined by violinist Kristin Lee, pianist Qian Wu, and cellist and Chamber Music Sedona Artistic Director Nicholas Canellakis, the program will include works ranging from the classics to the wild and fun world of Klezmer – an instrumental musical tradition of the Ashkenazi Jews of Central and Eastern Europe – as seen through the soulful voice of the clarinet. The second concert of Chamber Music Sedona’s 40th Anniversary…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams” showing Dec. 9-15 at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres. “Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams” is a portrait of a man whose vision, passion, and craftsmanship made him “shoemaker to the stars,” an architect of Hollywood magic, and an enduring cultural, fashion, and artistic influence. Growing up poor in Bonito, Italy, Salvatore Ferragamo began his career as a shoemaker before he was barely a teenager. Immigrating to America in 1915 at the age of 16, his work would…

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